Manly Libation of the Week: The Moscow Mule

Sipping a well-made cocktail is the perfect way to unwind and relax, whether you’ve had a long day at the office or just want to kick back with some friends. Follow our Manly Libations series week-to-week, as we highlight manly cocktails, their histories, and a few bonus recipes — we guarantee these classic drinks will put some hair on your chest.

This cocktail name may roll off your tongue with ease (and trust us, if it doesn’t right away, it will after your second round of ‘em), but it turns out the alliterative cocktail is a stunner in its classic rendition, and just as playful and fun in inventive riffs. Read on to meet your perfect mule, erm, match.

The history of the Moscow Mule

“The Moscow Mule was popularized in the early 1940s by pouring vodka, ginger beer, and lime over ice in a copper mug,” shares Willy Shine, beverage consultant and brand ambassador for Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum. “It was also known as a Vodka Buck.” A Buck, by definition, is a variety of highball containing ginger syrup and fresh lime juice topped with soda. “The Mule, or Buck, went viral across all categories of spirits as the flavor profile of lime, ginger, and sugar worked really well across the board,” Shine adds.